When you hear the word “carpenter,” you might think of someone building houses or working with wood—but the job of a union carpenter goes far beyond that. Union carpenters are skilled professionals who play a critical role in building and maintaining the structures we live, work, and gather in every day. From residential homes to large-scale commercial projects, union carpenters help build the backbone of our communities.
At Carpenters Local 106, our members are trained to tackle a wide range of construction tasks with skill, safety, and pride. Here’s a closer look at what a union carpenter does—and why their work matters.
A Wide Range of Responsibilities
Union carpenters perform work in both residential and commercial construction. Depending on the type of project and your level of experience, a day’s work may include:
- Framing walls, floors, and roofs
- Installing doors, windows, and hardware
- Constructing concrete forms for foundations and footings
- Building scaffolding and temporary structures
- Interior finish work, including cabinetry, trim, and drywall
- Reading blueprints and interpreting plans
- Working with tools, equipment, and materials safely and efficiently
Carpenters often collaborate with other trades on job sites, and their work is essential to keeping projects on time, on budget, and up to code.
Trained for Safety and Quality
One of the key differences between union and non-union carpenters is training. Union carpenters go through a structured apprenticeship program that includes both hands-on job experience and classroom education. This means union carpenters are equipped with the skills, certifications, and safety knowledge needed to work in complex and demanding environments.
At Carpenters Local 106, we train our members to meet the highest standards in the industry. Whether working on a multi-story commercial building or finishing detail work on a custom home, our members are trusted to deliver quality craftsmanship.
Career Paths Within Carpentry
A union carpenter’s work can evolve over time. Many start as apprentices and grow into journey-level carpenters, foremen, superintendents, or even project managers. Others may choose to specialize in areas like:
- Concrete forming
- Steel stud framing
- Interior systems
- Scaffolding and rigging
- Industrial maintenance
There are also opportunities to move into instructor roles, union leadership, or advocacy positions within the labor movement.
Why Union Carpenters Matter
Union carpenters don’t just build—they help shape the future. From schools and hospitals to infrastructure and business centers, their work is everywhere. And because they’re part of a union, they’re not only trained and professional—they’re protected by a strong contract that ensures fair pay, benefits, retirement security, and jobsite safety.
Build More Than Just Structures
A career as a union carpenter is about more than swinging a hammer. It’s about being part of a team, learning a respected trade, and building a future you can be proud of.
Interested in learning more about what union carpenters do and how to get started? Visit our website to take the first step.